The Swirl.

When I worked in a record store there where many geeky discussions about various topics. One day during one of my shifts a co-worker asked me if I could have any labels entire catalogue, who's would it be. I quickly chirped "Vertigo!" For a very good reason might I add. Vertigo Records was started in 1960's as a sub-label for Philips. The main goal of this new sub-label was to put out psychedelic and progressive music. What Vertigo evolved into in the 70's is the benchmark label for any progressive heavy and far beyond the simple confines of just another prog label. Among the labels rooster you will find Kraftwerk, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Rod Stewert, Uriah Heep, and a slew of other staple and genre defining artists. So what about the stuff you haven't heard? Fucking brilliant. Prog fiends will find what they are looking for in Magna Carta and Gentle Giant. Psych heads will enjoy the sounds of Ramases and Gracious!. Folk collectors will dig the sounds of Tudor Lodge and Bob Downes. Beat diggers and djs look hard for records by Ian Carr and Aphrodites Child. Vertigo truly has a record for everybody and this collection showcases that over the course of three discs. I have all three discs in separate folders. I still on a weekly basis search out Vertigo titles. Most recent one that I bought was Manfred Mann's "3". One more down, and a about 58 more to go.

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Future Factory.

The U.K. trio Factory Floor is something to freak over. They deserve all the attention they get unlike many bands who seem to hold a years worth of interest and then fade back into the mediocre background. What Factory Floor have mastered is the rare ability to pay some sort of homage to post punk/industrial pioneers while creating there own path in which seemingly they are walking alone. You can hear the influence of early Factory records bands and then a distinct Belgian post punk/new beat influence as well. In the end, is what matters most is the overall sound is completely timeless and captivating. I have also read that their live performances are jaw-dropping. Here in one convenient file is their 7", 10", and a Japan only cd-ep.http://www.mediafire.com/?4jffjcc62c4xe

Kabinette Thriller.

Das Kabinette's "Spy Thriller" collects the U.K. bands entire unreleased studio recordings. Again, sort of amazing this was never released in it's day as it's very good stark music to rob a blood bank at midnight to. Especially considering that Bauhaus was knee deep in their ska-thic phase and many goths, punks, whatever's where probably looking for something to fill the black heart with. Enter the Kabinette!http://www.mediafire.com/?d58lz4fuofzoa

Zambian Foot.

This has made many blog appearances but unless you read those other blogs you may have missed it and it's one that should not be missed. Zambian band Black Foot created a stunning and incredible album. With some traditional Zambian guitar and drum work thrown into the more rock sound, this is a real pleasure to anyone with ears and something in between them. According to Prog Not Frog Blog, where I believe this made it's blog debut, Alfred Yabe of Black Foot now teaches organ and guitar at a music academy in Ndola. Let's hope his students follow those Foot Steps.http://www.mediafire.com/?0e40fg8vk709o

Da Ghost.

The most consistent Wu-Tanger on the solo tip. When this came out I was all over it thanks to a co-worker that would play it every day at least three times a day. Ghostface also happens to make me laugh a lot which is nice. http://www.mediafire.com/?rr75vo7fazpie

Space Bort.

By now you have taken a good look at the cover of today's post and exclaimed "Looks good!" or your probably thinking "Looks boring." Point is you are either going to love Eduardo Bort's folk tinged space prog or you are going to want to pass all together on this. As this album is making an appearance here it is clear as to what camp I belong in. Eduardo Bort recorded this self titled album in Spain that was released around 74/75 and went fairly unnoticed in it's time. It has since gone on to become a major collectible album with prog collectors and has been reissued on cd but not vinyl. If you at all enjoy 70's prog then you will definitely find this enjoyable. The album has an almost Italian feel to it but is hardly even an ounce as over the top as any Italian prog record.http://www.mediafire.com/?lmrckbew0coyw

Music is the weapon.

I can not even try and write all there is to write about such a prolific and inspirational character as Fela Kuti. I will say that Fela's career and music transcend simple artistry and go into political revolution, social consciousness, and spiritual awareness. I recently watched the French filmed documentary "Music is The Weapon" and to put it simply was completely floored by Fela and his life's work. To be a revolutionary in Nigeria during the 70's takes more than courage, it takes a clear mind and a direct link to the consciousness of others. Fela seemed to be able to embrace his culture and heritage while wanting to change the iron fisted government and the inherit greed that was growing within Lagos. Fela was considered dangerous by the government and was often the target of severe violence and vandalism which included having his house burned down. His live performances seemed to have been more than just about music as Fela would stop halfway through a concert to preform a ritual. After learning a fraction of what there is to know about this man, his career, and his legacy, it is simply inspiring that one man can stand against the villainous armies of an evil society and stir the pot of social awareness that it is still quite important and relevant in today's world. One of the most important reminders I personally get from Fela's music is that music is simply more than just something to hear. It is a religion, a spirit, an idea, a form of identity, and above all it is personal autonomy. Fela's music proves this to me as I do not speak Pidgin nor do I need to. It is the movement of the spirit and soul that allows me to hear Fela's music and sense every feeling that is put into song. I realize this may all seem a bit pretentious and I certainly don't intend for it to be that way. I am simply floored by Fela and can only hope to have one percent of the consciousness that this single person possessed. Download "Yellow Fever" and see what you find.http://www.mediafire.com/?3015f3xelvw55

Don't turn the light on, leave me alone.

Got a request for this album. Can definitely has all the trappings for a desert island band. Timeless music that clearly has a beginning, middle, and end. Can also seems to transcend the moniker of simply stated kraut-rock. Each album has it's own unique individual tone and voice that sets itself apart from any of the others. The clear jam on this album is "Mother Sky". The song "Don't Turn The Light On, Leave Me Alone" also marks the first appearance of Damon Suzuki on a recorded Can track.http://www.mediafire.com/?fm41ro9gj4ry3

Earwigs to Eternity.

Finally back after the battery debacle. Got a few requests for some posts which are coming up very soon. In the meantime here's an amazing first record by Alice Cooper. I know most people are familiar with Alice but I wonder how many actually give the albums a chance. He almost better known for his on stage hi jinx, obsession with golf, Schools Out, and for looking older than dirt even when he was young. This is an amazing album that showcases the songwriting talent of every individual in the band and moves through psych, pop, and outlandish acid fever dreams. Frank Zappa signed the band to a three record deal after hearing that the band cleared the room of the Cheetah ( a then semi-famous L.A. rock club) in less than ten minutes. When he asked the band to demo personally for him, he insisted on the time of seven. The band showed up at seven a.m. to Zappa's house and woke him up to play their set. Before anyone could play Zappa was sold on the sheer outlandishness of their mistake. The three albums recorded for Zappa's Straight label (Pretties for You, Easy Action, and Love It To Death) are by far my favorite records by dear Alice. If you have not heard the three mentioned albums your in for a real treat by starting at the beginning. Swing low, sweet cheerio!http://www.mediafire.com/?k12s66ba3bspn

Battery Blues

So here's a little update. My laptop battery complete shit and then died. I tried to get another one immediately which turned into another seriously dumb adventure in which I found one at the obscene price of $159. Because I have a brain and a serious addiction to buying music I made the decision to say "Fuck that" to mentioned overpriced battery. Another is one it's way in a hurry. Hopefully Monday? Got a request for a real good post too so that should be up and all will be fine again in the virtual world here. In the mean time I will still be listening to the newest L.A. Vampires with Matrix Metals LP "So Unreal". Man, this fucking album is great. Kind of like finding a cassette tape of dubbed slo-mo disco that has been warped by the sun. Really addicting. Have fun and keep it simple stupid.

Stand By.

Need to take the rest of the week to do some boring life stuff so won't have time to post this week. Will make it up to you as soon as we get rolling again. Should be by this weekend hopefully.

Into Night.

Seahawks are a U.K. based project that is obsessed with the AOR disco sound of the 80's. They take a song like Exile's "Kiss You All Over" and turn it into a slow moving astral builder that is psychedelic and intoxicating all at once. The timing and restraint they execute is perfect which is an often overlooked quality in bands/artists. Head out to sea and stare at the colors in the sky. This is it! http://www.mediafire.com/?z79hski8mm57l

Tornado Funk.

I'm really glad that there are people in the world that put together such enjoyable compilations like this one. Top selection of heavy funk 45's that you could easily spend a lifetime of money and time looking for all on this comp. What-cha feel is what-cha get!http://www.mediafire.com/?w5itecrkbb1co

Haunted.

Here's another quick slab of Factory goodness from Section 25. Stark, minimal, and highly addicting. http://www.mediafire.com/?gfc6yf7dhvu4f